News Archives for 1/27/2006 | chronicle.augusta.com

Applause cover
Applause cover for January 26, 2006.

Identity of Indian memoirist is disputed

Winfrey feels Frey 'betrayed millions of readers'

Salmagundi Art Club brings exhibit to Morris museum

Winfrey feels Frey 'betrayed millions of readers'
CHICAGO - Oprah Winfrey challenged author James Frey over his disputed memoir, asking him on a live telecast of her show Thursday to explain why he "felt the need to lie."

Identity of Indian memoirist is disputed
NEW YORK - Doubts were raised about yet another memoirist as the alternative publication LA Weekly reported Wednesday that the award-winning Nasdijj, who says he's of Navajo descent, may be a white writer impersonating an Indian.

Salmagundi Art Club brings exhibit to Morris museum
After more than 130 years, the Salmagundi Art Club is bringing its Big Apple aesthetic to the Peach State.

So, what's in your wallet? Lots of ID

Deal would add building to park

Bill would keep state hands off new tools
ATLANTA - The Senate approved a bill Thursday that would keep the state from regulating the newest forms of communication technologies.

Deal would add building to park
Ground could be broken on a second speculative building in Columbia County's Horizon South Industrial Park in as soon as three months.

Partridge Inn's doors to reopen, reveal new lobby
The Partridge Inn soon will reopen its front doors with a fresh dose of Southern hospitality.

'New era' in North Augusta
Prime real estate in North Augusta's downtown has lured a major mixed-use development.

Deal would add building to park
Ground could be broken on a second speculative building in Columbia County's Horizon South Industrial Park in as soon as three months.

'New era' in North Augusta
Prime real estate in North Augusta's downtown has lured a major mixed-use development.

'New era' in North Augusta

Leaders hope Columbia's loss is Augusta's gain
Augusta aviation leaders are hoping Columbia Metropolitan Airport's loss of Independence Air will be the Garden City's gain.

Partridge Inn's doors to reopen, reveal new lobby

Leaders hope Columbia's loss is Augusta's gain
Augusta aviation leaders are hoping Columbia Metropolitan Airport's loss of Independence Air will be the Garden City's gain.

Bill would keep state hands off new tools

Leaders hope Columbia's loss is Augusta's gain

Editorial Cartoon

Duke posts victory

Lady Jags fade against Saints

Jaguars hold on to defeat Saints

Lady Vols lose second in row

Lady Bulldogs pick up win at South Carolina

Hamas must choose: peace or terror
The good news is the Palestinian people had a fair and open parliamentary election. The bad news is the wrong side won.

How long will citizens take this?
Now you know the difference between short and small.

At least they're trying

At least they're trying
It was unusually windy when Woody Merry stood outside City Hall to announce his lawsuit against Commissioner Marion Williams Wednesday.

Hamas must choose: peace or terror

At least they're trying
It was unusually windy when Woody Merry stood outside City Hall to announce his lawsuit against Commissioner Marion Williams Wednesday.

How long will citizens take this?

An offer you can't refuse
Got something cluttering your home you want to get rid of? Or something you'd like to get your hands on - at no cost? And help keep the environment clean at the same time?

How long will citizens take this?
Now you know the difference between short and small.

An offer you can't refuse
Got something cluttering your home you want to get rid of? Or something you'd like to get your hands on - at no cost? And help keep the environment clean at the same time?

Different kind of road rage
The bill to hold state road construction contractors accountable for getting their work done in a timely fashion has started to wend its way through the Georgia Legislature.

Different kind of road rage

Hamas must choose: peace or terror
The good news is the Palestinian people had a fair and open parliamentary election. The bad news is the wrong side won.

An offer you can't refuse

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, found dead
LOS ANGELES - Chris Penn, a younger brother of Sean Penn who played supporting roles in films such as "Reservoir Dogs" and "Starsky & Hutch," was found dead in his Santa Monica home, authorities said. Police do not suspect foul play.

People in the News
NEW YORK - Meg Ryan has adopted a baby girl from China.

Galleries
GET LISTED: Send your gallery's exhibit schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928. Send information by fax to 722-7403. Send e-mail to steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com. Please include a contact name and phone number.

Applause calendar
GET LISTED: Send your event or group's schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta.

'Survivor' Hatch found guilty of failing to pay taxes
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Richard Hatch, who won $1 million in the first season of "Survivor," was found guilty Wednesday of failing to pay taxes on his winnings.

Concerts
CANCELED: Langston Hughes' Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods For Jazz, Featuring the McCurdy/Wright Consort: 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St.; $20-$25; imperialtheatre.com or 722-8341

Spotted
Brittany Hunt was seen during Saturday's Georgia Bridal Show at Bell Auditorium in Augusta.

Nicole Kidman named ambassador for UN
UNITED NATIONS - Nicole Kidman has a new role - working to advance women's rights around the globe as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N.

Applause calendar
GET LISTED: Send your event or group's schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta.

Club calendar
Ready for a night out? Here's a sampling of drink specials and entertainment at Augusta-area clubs:

Spotted
Brittany Hunt was seen during Saturday's Georgia Bridal Show at Bell Auditorium in Augusta.

Michael Jackson spotted in robe and veil
MANAMA, Bahrain - Pop star Michael Jackson was spotted shopping in a Bahrain mall on Wednesday, hiding his face behind a veil and donning a black robe traditionally worn by women in the Gulf.

People in the News
LONDON - The Arctic Monkeys sold almost 120,000 copies of their debut album in a single day, and it may become one of the year's top-sellers, retailers said.

Club calendar
Ready for a night out? Here's a sampling of drink specials and entertainment at Augusta-area clubs:

People in the News
NEW YORK - Meg Ryan has adopted a baby girl from China.

Bono announces 'Red' brand to fund AIDS programs
DAVOS, Switzerland - U2 frontman Bono unveiled a new push to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa, announcing a partnership with several companies Thursday to sell products under a brand called "Red," with the proceeds going toward anti-AIDS programs.

People in the News
LONDON - The Arctic Monkeys sold almost 120,000 copies of their debut album in a single day, and it may become one of the year's top-sellers, retailers said.

Nicole Kidman named ambassador for UN
UNITED NATIONS - Nicole Kidman has a new role - working to advance women's rights around the globe as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N.

Magazine names 'Lost' star as TV's top 'hunk'
NEW YORK - Josh Holloway, who plays con man Sawyer on the hit ABC series "Lost," has been named the "hottest hunk" on television by In Touch Weekly.

E-filing is easy, but wrong data will cause rejects

Rates on 30-year mortgages edge up slightly
WASHINGTON - Rates on 30-year mortgages, after falling for six straight weeks, edged up slightly this week as investors anticipated another rate hike from the Federal Reserve, according to a national survey released Thursday.

Rates on 30-year mortgages edge up slightly

E-filing is easy, but wrong data will cause rejects
WASHINGTON - Filing tax returns electronically is usually a simple matter, but certain data entry errors or inconsistencies can cause the IRS to reject an e-filed return.

Fishing Tournaments
Sponsoring a bass, crappie, catfish or other fishing tournament? Mail or fax your flyer or information to Fishing Editor, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, Ga. 30903-1928. Fax number: (706) 823-3408. Tournament reports must include first and last names of the participants, total numbers of fish and total weight of the catch.

Bass anglers enjoying most success this winter

Bass anglers enjoying most success this winter
High winds and subfreezing nighttime temperatures have slowed the bites of most fish, except largemouth bass at Strom Thurmond Lake.

Fishing Tournaments

Coontail lands on feet, other Cat out
Scott Ferguson's patience paid off with Coontail Cat.

Mitchell gets luckiest draw
John Mitchell never gave the Western Horseman Cup competition much consideration.

Cutter takes care of business
With the advances in technology, Danny Miller can work and play at the same time.

Coontail lands on feet, other Cat out
Scott Ferguson's patience paid off with Coontail Cat.

Goldberg, 'Little' score big in win
Libbie Goldberg decided Hurricane Katrina wasn't going to slow her down, in or out of the classroom.

Neely rides wave of emotion

Goldberg, 'Little' score big in win
Libbie Goldberg decided Hurricane Katrina wasn't going to slow her down, in or out of the classroom.

Neely rides wave of emotion
It's hard to say who wanted the Classic Non-Pro title more: Benjie Neely or her father, Ben.

Mitchell gets luckiest draw

Mitchell gets luckiest draw
John Mitchell never gave the Western Horseman Cup competition much consideration.

Goldberg, 'Little' score big in win

Cutter takes care of business
With the advances in technology, Danny Miller can work and play at the same time.

Neely rides wave of emotion
It's hard to say who wanted the Classic Non-Pro title more: Benjie Neely or her father, Ben.

Cutter takes care of business

Coontail lands on feet, other Cat out

Use repellents to keep those rabbits at bay
I have seen some rabbit pellets in my backyard and have noticed some plants in my yard, particularly in my garden, that have been eaten. What can I do to keep rabbits away? - Sheila

Use repellents to keep those rabbits at bay

Garden doctor is always in when you have a PC
NEW MARKET, Va. - A garden tool growing more popular by the season doesn't have a handle, won't belch smoke, isn't noisy and leaves no dirt on your hands. It's a computer and it's changing the way we do our planting and harvesting.

Garden doctor is always in when you have a PC

Woods goes south on North

Woods back for his 10th season
SAN DIEGO - Even after 10 years defined by his 10 major championships, there are times when Tiger Woods still feels as though he has something to prove.

Woods goes south on North
SAN DIEGO - Coming off one of the longest breaks in his career, Tiger Woods might get another one sooner than he would like.

Els trails by five
DOHA, Qatar - Defending champion Ernie Els got off to a slow start in the Qatar Masters on Thursday, shooting an opening round 1-under-par 71 to trail co-leaders Ricardo Gonzalez and Henrik Stenson by five shots.

Pacers honored by state

Pacers honored by state
COLUMBIA - Back-to-back national championships netted USC Aiken golfers a round of applause Thursday from the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Els trails by five

Pacers honored by state
COLUMBIA - Back-to-back national championships netted USC Aiken golfers a round of applause Thursday from the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Woods back for his 10th season
SAN DIEGO - Even after 10 years defined by his 10 major championships, there are times when Tiger Woods still feels as though he has something to prove.

Woods goes south on North
SAN DIEGO - Coming off one of the longest breaks in his career, Tiger Woods might get another one sooner than he would like.

Woods back for his 10th season

High School Players of the Week

Brantley made sure Josey addressed last year's flaw

A Heavy Heart

Surging Hurricanes dump Thrashers
ATLANTA - Niclas Wallin scored on a deflection 16 seconds into the third period as the Carolina Hurricanes pulled away for a 5-1 victory over the slumping Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night.

Surging Hurricanes dump Thrashers

So, what's in your wallet? Lots of ID
Who are you? Who? Who? Who? Who?

Can the criticism; Bush is doing fine

Honest work penalized; sloth rewarded

Can the criticism; Bush is doing fine
All presidents in American history have been criticized more than praised. We are Monday morning quarterbacks. President Bush is doing a fine job considering the difficulties the nation faces. Our first lady is outstanding; we should be proud. John P. Clements, Augusta

Iraqi constitution full of flaws

Iraqi constitution full of flaws
Iraq's new constitution practically guarantees failure. It contains no unqualified guarantees for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, trial by jury or the right to keep and bear arms. Elton T. Booth, North Augusta, S.C.

Respect yourself and others

Respect yourself and others
Here is a little advice for our Augusta commissioners: Always stand and walk, think and talk as if the most important person in the world is watching very carefully every move you make, can read your mind and listens very carefully to everything you say - because the most important person in the world to you is you. Felix B. Garrett, Hephzibah

Honest work penalized; sloth rewarded
What a great country we live in! Go to war for your country, get old and get wounded, and you cannot even get into government housing. But have five children by as many daddies that you can find, and not only will the government give you a place to stay, but they will feed you, too. Chris McCain, Hephzibah

Living briefs

Ford Hybrid research vehicle runs on ethanol

Book club gives members lessons in making choices

Toyota FJ Cruiser is off-roading fun

Video game used to fight childhood obesity

Punxsutawney Phil's handler stepping down

Google agrees to censor results in China

Living briefs
Isn't It Romantic? Valentine's Day is approaching, so we want to know about Your Song. You know, the one that defines you as a couple; the one you danced to All Night Long when you got married, went on a date or were Makin' Whoopie.

Google agrees to censor results in China
SHANGHAI, China - Google Inc. launched a search engine in China on Wednesday that censors material about human rights, Tibet and other topics sensitive to Beijing - defending the move as a trade-off granting Chinese greater access to other information.

Punxsutawney Phil's handler stepping down
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. - Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not on Groundhog Day, one thing's for sure: The man who has been the furry forecaster's official handler for the past 15 years will step down after this year.

Book club gives members lessons in making choices
A girl who likes books and wants to be a doctor or a lawyer seems like a good fit for something called the Smart Girls Club, but Joi Sheppard was almost sidelined on a technicality.

Ford Hybrid research vehicle runs on ethanol
WASHINGTON - Ford Motor Co., extending its push into hybrid technology, said Wednesday it was the first automaker to develop a hybrid research vehicle capable of running on ethanol-based fuels.

Video game used to fight childhood obesity
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia, which has one of the nation's worst obesity problems, is expanding a project that uses a video game to boost students' physical activity.

Toyota FJ Cruiser is off-roading fun
Looking for something different to drive? How about a quirky-looking new sport utility vehicle that's ready and waiting for spirited off-roading?

Rural officials band together to push issues
ATLANTA - It might not be as established or powerful as the caucuses spawned by blacks and female legislators, but the recently formed rural caucus has found a growing need for its existence in the General Assembly.

Hospital closer to renovations
University Hospital officials played host to a public hearing Wednesday and cleared another hurdle on the way to an $84.5 million renovation.

Across the region
ATHENS, Ga. - A grant of almost $1 million from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety will help a university organization promote safe driving, but state leaders could make more of a dent in accident numbers if they'd also fund driver's education classes in schools, area educators say.

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Enrollment to grow by 600
Enrollment projections suggest that an additional 600 children might be roaming the halls of Columbia County schools next year.

Voter ID bill ready to sign

Governor signs voter ID measure
ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the latest version of Georgia's voter identification bill into law Thursday, sending it to the U.S. Justice Department for the second time in two years.

Across South Carolina

Web site will display lawyers' sanctions
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Bar agreed Thursday to put lawyers' disciplinary actions on its Web site so the public can easily find them, although some attorneys compared the move to a "scarlet letter."

Kid of the Day

Murder trial set to begin today

Rolling back assessments proves hard

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Across the area

Rolling back assessments proves hard
COLUMBIA - A Senate subcommittee on Thursday rejected efforts to roll back property tax assessments after realizing the proposal would hit most homeowners with a tax increase.

Salary increases fail to diminish turnover

Across the area
A 25-year-old Aiken woman was killed in a one-car wreck early Thursday morning, but two other passengers, including a 5-year-old boy, were unharmed.

Fatal car accident

News you can use
THE FOREIGNER: The play will be presented at 8 p.m. at Aiken Community Playhouse in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 124 Newberry St. Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and $6 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are recommended. Call (803) 648-1438.

Park is getting bigger, better

Indigent care sets record, but so does budget surplus
University Hospital had a record surplus last year despite also giving a record amount of indigent care, officials said.

Rural aid is at issue in merger

'Good to be home'

Across the area

Mayor pro tem's ouster sought

Web site will display lawyers' sanctions

Harlem council vote opposes annexation
Harlem city officials voted Wednesday to oppose proposed annexation legislation that Columbia County commissioners have supported.

School funding formula opposed

Reading difficulties ensnare charter bill
COLUMBIA - Senators learned a lesson in lawmaking this week: Read before you write.

Bill would help parents pay for private school

Petitioner clarifies intent

Salary increases fail to diminish turnover
AIKEN - A year ago, the Aiken County emergency medical services division was in critical condition.

Across the region

Plan for nuclear fuel may advance
AIKEN - President Bush will propose spending $250 million on new ways to reuse nuclear fuel when he unveils his fiscal 2007 budget next month, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Harlem council vote opposes annexation

Slaying suspect is denied bond
A judge denied bond Thursday for an Augusta man facing a murder charge in connection with a home invasion.

Enrollment to grow by 600

Across South Carolina
Military judge to hear Marine's court-martial

Plan for nuclear fuel may advance

Rural officials band together to push issues

'Good to be home'
HINESVILLE, Ga. - After 45 hours of travel and a year in Iraq, Spc. Mark Wedel found himself on Fort Stewart's parade grounds tightly embracing his wife, Darlene, and 4-year-old son, Andrew.

Governor signs voter ID measure

Child support plan is approved by Senate
ATLANTA - A new child-support system, hailed as fair by advocates and derided by opponents as a "stupid" administrative nightmare, passed the state Senate on a 38-17 vote Wednesday.

Falling for you

DuPont drops out of contract bidding

Schools request federal refund

Officials meet to review plan to close waste tanks

News you can use

Gas tax relief is written into law

News you can use

Officials meet to review plan to close waste tanks
NORTH AUGUSTA - The nuclear waste that officials want to leave behind in tanks at Savannah River Site will probably stay radioactive long after there are no armed guards patrolling the place.

Child support plan is approved by Senate

Closing date for landfill trashed
Columbia County's Baker Place Road landfill will be full when it closes.

Aiken is watching school choice bill

Mayor pro tem's ouster sought
Augusta Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams has claimed "squatter's rights" to his office and is "hi-jacking the government," according to a petition filed Wednesday.

Reading difficulties ensnare charter bill

Kid of the Day
Layanna Lavon Abrams, of Blythe, is today's kid of the day.

Newspaper carrier killed in crash
An Augusta Chronicle newspaper carrier was killed this morning in a south Richmond County automobile accident, officials said.

Cox needles 'good old boys' on statewide tour
ATLANTA - Secretary of State Cathy Cox kicked off a statewide tour Thursday as part of her gubernatorial campaign with a few digs at two men also vying for the office.

Aiken woman dies in crash
Aiken County authorities have identified a 25-year-old Aiken woman who was killed in a single-car wreck early this morning.

Fatal car accident
An employee of Chancey's wrecker service prepares to lift a 2005 Honda Accord that flipped over, killing a newspaper carrier for The Augusta Chronicle.

Coroner identifies driver in fatal crash
An Augusta Chronicle newspaper carrier was killed this morning in a south Richmond County automobile accident, officials said.

Falling for you
Derek Lyons points out the color shifts in the rock face of Toccoa Falls to his girlfriend, Heather Bramlett, in Toccoa, Ga. Mr. Lyons, a freshman at Toccoa Falls College, lives less than a minute from the falls and enjoys visiting in the mornings.

Gov. Perdue signs Georgia's voter ID bill
ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the latest version of Georgia's voter identification bill into law on Thursday, sending it to the U.S. Justice Department for the second time in two years.

Kid of the Day
LaQuaja Lanee Abrams, of Blythe, is today's kid of the day.

Smoke sparks medical building evacuation
Fire officials were called out to a University Hospital building this morning after a generator sparked, leading to a partial evacuation of the building.

Indigent care sets record, but so does budget surplus

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Rural aid is at issue in merger
Lee Anderson has lived in the rural part of Columbia County all his life.

Slaying suspect is denied bond
A judge denied bond Thursday for an Augusta man facing a murder charge in connection with a home invasion.

Murder trial set to begin today
Opening statements start this afternoon in Willie G. Allen's capital murder trial.

Across Georgia
NORCROSS - A man shot and injured his girlfriend and barricaded himself in an apartment with his infant daughter before killing himself.

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Indigent care sets record, but so does budget surplus
University Hospital had a record surplus last year despite also giving a record amount of indigent care, officials said.

Petitioner clarifies intent
Government reformer Woody Merry doesn't want to unseat Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams or send him to jail.

Rural aid is at issue in merger
Lee Anderson has lived in the rural part of Columbia County all his life.

Fatal car accident
An employee of Chancey's wrecker service prepares to lift a 2005 Honda Accord that flipped over, killing a newspaper carrier for The Augusta Chronicle.

Across South Carolina
Military judge to hear Marine's court-martial

Kid of the Day
LaQuaja Lanee Abrams, of Blythe, is today's kid of the day.

Salary increases fail to diminish turnover
AIKEN - A year ago, the Aiken County emergency medical services division was in critical condition.

Reading difficulties ensnare charter bill
COLUMBIA - Senators learned a lesson in lawmaking this week: Read before you write.

Murder trial set to begin today
Opening statements start this afternoon in Willie G. Allen's capital murder trial.

Across the area
A 25-year-old Aiken woman was killed in a one-car wreck early Thursday morning, but two other passengers, including a 5-year-old boy, were unharmed.

Bill would help parents pay for private school
COLUMBIA - Parents could receive a state check or tax credit to send their children to private school under a bill introduced Thursday in the House.

Closing date for landfill trashed

Hospital closer to renovations
University Hospital officials played host to a public hearing Wednesday and cleared another hurdle on the way to an $84.5 million renovation.

School funding formula opposed
ATLANTA - School buses, teacher training and public safety officers are areas that Richmond County school officials might have to cut if a funding proposal being pushed by Gov. Sonny Perdue passes the Legislature.

Kid of the Day

Hospital closer to renovations

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Man who killed woman is released from prison

Rants and raves
Comments from readers:

Slaying suspect is denied bond

Cox needles 'good old boys' on statewide tour

Gas tax relief is written into law
ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue on Wednesday signed a temporary tax cut into law, clearing the way for users of natural gas and liquid propane to save a few dollars on their heating bills.

Across Georgia

Closing date for landfill trashed
Columbia County's Baker Place Road landfill will be full when it closes.

Old mill will live again as salvage

Enrollment to grow by 600
Enrollment projections suggest that an additional 600 children might be roaming the halls of Columbia County schools next year.

Kid of the Day
Layanna Lavon Abrams, of Blythe, is today's kid of the day.

Harlem council vote opposes annexation
Harlem city officials voted Wednesday to oppose proposed annexation legislation that Columbia County commissioners have supported.

Across the area
Three Aiken County men were arrested late Tuesday and charged in a home invasion on Sandy Lane.

Park is getting bigger, better
AIKEN - Citizens Park will have a new look by late spring or early summer, when a four-field expansion at the athletic complex is expected to be complete.

Man who killed woman is released from prison
A man who killed an Augusta woman by repeatedly running over her with a car has been paroled.

Aiken is watching school choice bill
AIKEN - As the school board discusses suggestions to revamp its school-choice program, legislation that would set statewide school-choice guidelines has been introduced.

Voter ID bill ready to sign
ATLANTA - A bill requiring Georgia voters to show photo identification at the polls is just one step away from becoming law.

Schools request federal refund
With no promise of funding to do so, Richmond and Columbia counties took in pupils displaced by Hurricane Katrina but could now be reimbursed more than $500,000 from the federal government.

Bill would help parents pay for private school
COLUMBIA - Parents could receive a state check or tax credit to send their children to private school under a bill introduced Thursday in the House.

Mayor pro tem's ouster sought
Augusta Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams has claimed "squatter's rights" to his office and is "hi-jacking the government," according to a petition filed Wednesday.

Old mill will live again as salvage
In its heyday, the belt-driven machinery inside Southern Milling Co. operated almost nonstop.

DuPont drops out of contract bidding
AIKEN - DuPont, the engineering giant that managed the Savannah River Plant from its start in the early 1950s until 1989, will not bid to take over the nuclear reservation at year's end, the company announced Wednesday.

Petitioner clarifies intent
Government reformer Woody Merry doesn't want to unseat Mayor Pro Tem Marion Williams or send him to jail.

Man who killed woman is released from prison
A man who killed an Augusta woman by repeatedly running over her with a car has been paroled.

Voter ID bill ready to sign
ATLANTA - A bill requiring Georgia voters to show photo identification at the polls is just one step away from becoming law.

Across Georgia
NORCROSS - A man shot and injured his girlfriend and barricaded himself in an apartment with his infant daughter before killing himself.

News you can use
DISTRICT 117: BARRY FLEMING, R, represents parts of Columbia and Wilkes counties and all of Lincoln County

Park is getting bigger, better
AIKEN - Citizens Park will have a new look by late spring or early summer, when a four-field expansion at the athletic complex is expected to be complete.

News you can use
DISTRICT 117: BARRY FLEMING, R, represents parts of Columbia and Wilkes counties and all of Lincoln County

Old mill will live again as salvage
In its heyday, the belt-driven machinery inside Southern Milling Co. operated almost nonstop.

Howell decides his best is enough
Calling it the scene of a crime might be overly dramatic, but Charles Howell returns to a place where an act of golfing larceny was certainly committed against him a year ago.

For ex-Bulldog, long drives are just elementary
LA JOLLA, Calif. - The biggest word resonating on the PGA Tour these days isn't Tiger or Phil or Finchem or FedEx. It's Bubba.

First black Oscar winner, honored with stamp
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Hattie McDaniel, the first black actress to win an Academy Award, was honored Wednesday with a U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp.

'Flightplan' sinks under weight of unlikely scenarios

Movie ratings board invites scrutiny of process

Sundance documentary rates the movie raters
PARK CITY, Utah - Kirby Dick has rated the movie-ratings board and come to a blunt conclusion: This panel is not suitable for any audiences.

Movie ratings board invites scrutiny of process
LOS ANGELES - Hollywood's film ratings system appears as simple as A-B-C - or at least G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17.

Sundance documentary rates the movie raters

China hasn't approved release of 'Memoirs of a Geisha'
HONG KONG - Two weeks before its scheduled debut in China, the government still hasn't approved the release of the Hollywood film "Memoirs of a Geisha," a movie executive said Wednesday.

China hasn't approved release of 'Memoirs of a Geisha'

'Flightplan' sinks under weight of unlikely scenarios
A film with a taste for Hitchcock, but with none of the tension, Flightplan is a thriller that never thrills and an airplane adventure that never takes off.

First black Oscar winner, honored with stamp

Movie ratings board invites scrutiny of process
LOS ANGELES - Hollywood's film ratings system appears as simple as A-B-C - or at least G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17.

New home-video releases
Here's a look at what's new in home DVD and video release and a calendar of what's coming:

New home-video releases

Women pick their way onto the stage
Kaki King, a guitar player who has plucked, popped, picked and snapped her way into the pantheon of guitar greats, performs Saturday at the Imperial Theatre.

Top 20 Concert Tours
The Top 20 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows in North America. The previous week's ranking is in parentheses. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.

Hot ticket
Van Zant WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday WHERE: The Colonial Center, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia

Hot ticket

Women pick their way onto the stage

Women pick their way onto the stage
Kaki King, a guitar player who has plucked, popped, picked and snapped her way into the pantheon of guitar greats, performs Saturday at the Imperial Theatre.

Top 20 Concert Tours

UB40 mixes new songs with old on latest album
Twenty-five years after their recording debut, Britain's venerable pop-reggae group UB40 - perhaps best known for the chart-toping 1984 remake of "Red, Red Wine" - smartly plays to its strengths with politically minded originals alongside reworked pop and reggae classics on "Who You Fighting For."

Rosanne Cash, P.O.D., Yellowcard and more

Hot ticket
Van Zant WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday WHERE: The Colonial Center, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia

Rosanne Cash, P.O.D., Yellowcard and more
Here's a look at new music in stores this week:

UB40 mixes new songs with old on latest album

Back behind the wheel
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Rusty Wallace's retirement lasted less than three months.

Harvick would be good catch if he tests free-agent waters
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Unless car owner Richard Childress can sign him to a long-term extension, Kevin Harvick will be one of the top free agents for the 2007 season - just in time for Toyota to make its NASCAR debut.

Newsmaker: Ray Evernham
Ray Evernham expanded to three full-time teams this year by adding Scott Riggs.

Back behind the wheel

Newsmaker: Ray Evernham
Ray Evernham expanded to three full-time teams this year by adding Scott Riggs.

Harvick would be good catch if he tests free-agent waters

Back behind the wheel
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Rusty Wallace's retirement lasted less than three months.

Toyota already ruffling feathers

Newsmaker: Ray Evernham

Toyota already ruffling feathers
CONCORD, N.C. - The fallout from Toyota's plans to enter the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch series continued this week, with car owners openly questioning the way the car company does business.

NBA Notes
PHILADELPHIA - Pat Garrity opened overtime with consecutive 3-pointers and scored a season-high 24 points, Hedo Turkoglu had 25 and the Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-115, on Thursday night for their season-high fifth consecutive win.

NBA Notes

Lady Vols lose second in row
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Top-ranked Tennessee lost consecutive games for the first time in nine years when Kentucky upset the Lady Vols, 66-63 on Thursday night.

Duke posts victory
BLACKSBURG, Va. - J.J. Redick, Shelden Williams and No. 2 Duke didn't stay down long, and they had the perfect opponent to get well against Thursday night.

Jaguars hold on to defeat Saints
For Augusta State forward A.J. Bowman, special circumstances surrounded the Jaguars' game Wednesday night against North Georgia.

Lady Bulldogs pick up win at South Carolina
COLUMBIA - Tasha Humphrey scored 18 points, and Sherill Baker added 13 in the second half to lift No. 15 Georgia to a 74-65 victory over South Carolina on Thursday.

Lady Vols lose second in row
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Top-ranked Tennessee lost consecutive games for the first time in nine years when Kentucky upset the Lady Vols, 66-63 on Thursday night.

Lady Jags fade against Saints
By no means is Augusta State University women's basketball coach Greg Wilson happy that his team fell to 2-8 in the Peach Belt Conference with a 60-51 loss to North Georgia on Wednesday night.

Duke posts victory
BLACKSBURG, Va. - J.J. Redick, Shelden Williams and No. 2 Duke didn't stay down long, and they had the perfect opponent to get well against Thursday night.

Jaguars hold on to defeat Saints
For Augusta State forward A.J. Bowman, special circumstances surrounded the Jaguars' game Wednesday night against North Georgia.

Steelers soaking it all in for now

Receiver catches up

That elusive edge

NFL Notes

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances V. Doyle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Edna Mae Bradley (ULMER, S.C.)

Mr. Thomas Sigman (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Cedric Mclendon (TIGNALL, Ga.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, Tenn.)

Mr. Robert B. Poe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise M. Jones (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Floria Sapp Jones (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.)

Mrs. Nora Bell Valentine (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Allie M. Sloan (WAYNESBORO, Ga.)

Mr. Charles Logan, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Ms. Mary L. Bringle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, TN)

Ms. Charlsie Scurry (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Roosevelt Steele (MILLEN, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Frank W. Thomas, Jr. (WASHINGTON, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Hurley (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Nora Bell Valentine (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mr. James Clayton, Jr. (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Dianne Walker (GOUGH, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Blackwelder, Jr. (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mr. Charles I. Rabun, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Randy Brinkley (JACKSON, S.C.)

Mrs. Mary Lee Ulmer (ULMER, S.C.)

Mrs. Eula Brown (GOUGH, Ga.)

Ms. Judy Harrison (SYLVANIA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pearlie Mae Battle (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mr. William Wilson (MCCORMICK, S.C.)

Mr. James Clayton, Jr. (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Charles I. Rabun, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Johnny Douglas (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Charles Logan, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances V. Doyle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Louis McTeer (BARNWELL, S.C.)

Mr. David D. Dudley (ATLANTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Rachel Langley (BOWMAN, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances L. Duke (TIGNALL, Ga.)

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mr. Fred Forest (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mr. Joe W. Glasker (COVINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances V. Doyle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Howard (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Randy Brinkley (JACKSON, S.C.)

Mr. Willie Hurley (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. William Wilson (MCCORMICK, S.C.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mrs. Mary Lou Martin (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Ms. Charlsie Scurry (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Herbert L. Jackson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Blanche Martin (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise M. Jones (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Miriam Kendall (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Darlene Kitchens (EAST DUBLIN, Ga.)

Mrs. Rachel Langley (BOWMAN, Ga.)

Mr. Kenneth Hudson (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruth Coles (DAVISBORO, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Dianne Walker (GOUGH, Ga.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Thomas Sigman (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Walter E. Lloyd, Sr. (MEMPHIS, Tenn.)

Mrs. Frances Rutledge (GREENWOOD, S.C.)

Mr. Charles Logan, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Janet W. Shaw (DUNWOODY, Ga.)

Mrs. Mary Lou Martin (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mr. Walter E. Lloyd, Sr. (MEMPHIS, Tenn.)

Ms. Edna Mae Bradley (ULMER, S.C.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pearlie Mae Battle (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Cedric Mclendon (TIGNALL, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Louis McTeer (BARNWELL, S.C.)

Mrs. Miriam Kendall (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Herbert L. Jackson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucille Paschall (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mr. Robert B. Poe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucille Paschall (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mrs. Floria Sapp Jones (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.)

Mr. Fred Forest (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Allie M. Sloan (WAYNESBORO, Ga.)

Mr. David D. Dudley (ATLANTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Mr. Johnny Douglas (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, TN)

Mrs. Eula Brown (GOUGH, Ga.)

Mr. Roosevelt Steele (MILLEN, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Frank W. Thomas, Jr. (WASHINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Bessie Yarborough (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mr. Claude Blackwelder, Jr. (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Lorena Williams (ATHENS, Ga.)

Ms. Mary L. Bringle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Janis Trautman Rose (MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.)

Ms. Lena Coles (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Janet W. Shaw (DUNWOODY, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruth Coles (DAVISBORO, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances Rutledge (GREENWOOD, S.C.)

Ms. Judy Harrison (SYLVANIA, Ga.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Irene Durham (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mrs. Sallie Mae Riner (SWAINSBORO, Ga.)

Ms. Minnie Herron (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Kenneth Hudson (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mr. Herbert L. Jackson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mrs. Darlene Kitchens (EAST DUBLIN, Ga.)

Ms. Minnie Herron (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Mary Lee Ulmer (ULMER, S.C.)

Mrs. Irene Durham (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Lena Coles (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Blackwelder, Jr. (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Bessie Yarborough (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lorena Williams (ATHENS, Ga.)

Mr. Charles I. Rabun, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Janis Trautman Rose (MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.)

Mrs. Sallie Mae Riner (SWAINSBORO, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Mrs. Blanche Martin (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, Tenn.)

Ms. Charlsie Scurry (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Howard (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Herbert L. Jackson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances L. Duke (TIGNALL, Ga.)

Mr. Robert B. Poe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. William Wilson (MCCORMICK, S.C.)

Mr. Randy Brinkley (JACKSON, S.C.)

Ms. Mary L. Bringle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances Rutledge (GREENWOOD, S.C.)

Mr. Roosevelt Steele (MILLEN, Ga.)

Mrs. Mary Lou Martin (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise M. Jones (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Charles Logan, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Frances V. Doyle (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Judy Harrison (SYLVANIA, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Edna Mae Bradley (ULMER, S.C.)

Mrs. Lucille Paschall (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mr. Joe W. Glasker (COVINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, TN)

Mr. Melvin Benefield (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Cedric Mclendon (TIGNALL, Ga.)

Mrs. Mary Lee Ulmer (ULMER, S.C.)

Mrs. Miriam Kendall (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Mr. Louis McTeer (BARNWELL, S.C.)

Ms. Lena Coles (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Charles I. Rabun, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. James Clayton, Jr. (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Walter E. Lloyd, Sr. (MEMPHIS, Tenn.)

Mrs. Floria Sapp Jones (JACKSONVILLE, Fla.)

Mr. Johnny Douglas (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. David D. Dudley (ATLANTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Rachel Langley (BOWMAN, Ga.)

Mr. Kenneth Hudson (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Janet W. Shaw (DUNWOODY, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Blackwelder, Jr. (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Darlene Kitchens (EAST DUBLIN, Ga.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mr. Claude Blackwelder, Jr. (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mr. Fred Forest (HEPHZIBAH, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Sallie Mae Riner (SWAINSBORO, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Hurley (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Glenn Hyman (NORWOOD, Ga.)

Mr. Thomas Sigman (SPARTA, Ga.)

Mr. Herbert L. Jackson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Minnie Herron (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Ivaree W. Stacey (KNOXVILLE, Tenn.)

Mrs. Allie M. Sloan (WAYNESBORO, Ga.)

Mrs. Pearlie Mae Battle (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Romena Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Charles Logan, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Za'Marion Emanuel Lester (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Annie Lee Neely (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Angelica Soto (PATERSON, N.J.)

Mrs. Eula Brown (GOUGH, Ga.)

Mrs. Pauline Lewis (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruth Coles (DAVISBORO, Ga.)

Mr. Wilbert L. Monroe (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Bessie Yarborough (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mrs. Irene Durham (THOMSON, Ga.)

Mrs. Lorena Williams (ATHENS, Ga.)

Ms. Janis Trautman Rose (MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.)

Mrs. Sarah M. Ivey (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mr. Frank W. Thomas, Jr. (WASHINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Blanche Martin (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Nora Bell Valentine (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Dianne Walker (GOUGH, Ga.)

Miller suggests athletes knew they cheated
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany - Here we go again with Bode Miller.

Bloom the headliner on American moguls team

Miller suggests athletes knew they cheated
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany - Here we go again with Bode Miller.

Bloom the headliner on American moguls team
PARK CITY, Utah - Jeremy Bloom headlined the group of 14 skiers picked for the U.S. Olympic freestyle team Wednesday.

Miller suggests athletes knew they cheated

Bloom the headliner on American moguls team
PARK CITY, Utah - Jeremy Bloom headlined the group of 14 skiers picked for the U.S. Olympic freestyle team Wednesday.

Overtime

Panthers rule the pool - again

Henin-Hardenne's win streak on line at Open

Overtime

Fan favorite makes final

Scant change in diversity

Md. horse dies; races cancelled

Emphasis placed on 'New' at old Grovetown track

Clijsters ousts Hingis; Kiefer, Mauresmo advance

Panthers rule the pool - again
For the second consecutive year, Lakeside proved its swimming superiority as the Panthers claimed the title at the CSRA Championships on Thursday night at Augusta Aquatics Center.

Fan favorite makes final
MELBOURNE, Australia - Look at what happens when Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Marat Safin don't show up because of injuries, and Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt lose in the early rounds.

Overtime
The final open tryout for the Augusta Spartans inaugural season in the American Indoor Football League will be held Saturday at Bernie Ward Center baseball field.

Clijsters ousts Hingis; Kiefer, Mauresmo advance
MELBOURNE, Australia - Martina Hingis found out she can still slug it out with the best of 'em. She also knows she has a lot of work to do.

Henin-Hardenne's win streak on line at Open
MELBOURNE, Australia - When athletes talk about revenge, it's usually meant for an opponent to atone for an earlier loss.

Emphasis placed on 'New' at old Grovetown track
Like a worn out race car, the New Gordon Park Speedway in Grovetown needed more than a few tweaks to get it running right again.

Overtime
Augusta State has made its first appearance this season in the South Atlantic Region poll.

Clijsters ousts Hingis; Kiefer, Mauresmo advance
MELBOURNE, Australia - Martina Hingis found out she can still slug it out with the best of 'em. She also knows she has a lot of work to do.

Henin-Hardenne's win streak on line at Open
MELBOURNE, Australia - When athletes talk about revenge, it's usually meant for an opponent to atone for an earlier loss.

Overtime
The final open tryout for the Augusta Spartans inaugural season in the American Indoor Football League will be held Saturday at Bernie Ward Center baseball field.

Md. horse dies; races cancelled
BALTIMORE - An outbreak of the equine herpes virus claimed a third horse at Pimlico Race Course and prompted the cancellation of two days of racing at nearby Laurel Park, officials said Thursday.

Scant change in diversity
ORLANDO, Fla. - White males make up an overwhelming majority of leaders at NCAA Division I-A programs, from presidents and athletic directors to football coaches and coordinators, according to a university study released Wednesday.

Emphasis placed on 'New' at old Grovetown track
Like a worn out race car, the New Gordon Park Speedway in Grovetown needed more than a few tweaks to get it running right again.

A Heavy Heart
Richmond Academy junior Trevor Welcher never celebrated his 17th birthday.

High School Players of the Week
Curtis Brown and Jordan Little, are the High School Players of the Week.

A Heavy Heart
Richmond Academy junior Trevor Welcher never celebrated his 17th birthday.

High School Players of the Week
Curtis Brown and Jordan Little, are the High School Players of the Week.

Brantley made sure Josey addressed last year's flaw
Josey's girls had a better record at this point last year. No matter. The Eagles are better now.

That elusive edge
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers sense something special is going on here, the kind of season that is remembered and replayed not only for a few years but for generations.

Receiver catches up
NFL wide receiver Troy Williamson (with microphone) talks with ninth graders at Silver Bluff High School.

That elusive edge
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers sense something special is going on here, the kind of season that is remembered and replayed not only for a few years but for generations.

NFL Notes
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Steve Fairchild is back with the Buffalo Bills, hired as the team's offensive coordinator Wednesday and given the task of improving one of the NFL's worst offenses.

Steelers soaking it all in for now
PITTSBURGH - Steelers linebacker Clark Haggans was relaxing at home, enjoying a few days off before returning to practice for the Super Bowl.

Bluegrass group seems to be on 'The Right Road'

Copyright protection of papal pronouncements defended
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican is defending its imposition of a copyright on papal pronouncements but says there is no bar on dissemination and publication of the pope's works by the news media.

Bluegrass group seems to be on 'The Right Road'
The Right Road seems an appropriate title for the latest album by the bluegrass gospel band Solid Ground, because the group also seems to be on the right road to success.

Reunions
LUCY C. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL 1981: Seeking classmates for a 25-year reunion; contact Travis L. Givens, 667-8807 or Beverly W. Horn, 627-5121

Across the river
TEN MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL: 8 p.m. today-Saturday and Monday and 3 p.m. Sunday; O'Connell Theatre, Etherredge Center, University of South Carolina Aiken, 471 University Parkway; $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 students; 641-3305

Commander outlines promising future for fort
The Martinez-Evans Rotary Club gained insight about Fort Gordon and its future on Friday when Fort Gordon's commander, Brig. Gen. Randolph Strong, spoke at the group's weekly meeting.

Around the block
THE 27TH ANNUAL AUGUSTA FUTURITY CONTINUES THROUGH SATURDAY at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, 605 Seventh St. The event includes the First Go-Round of the 4-Year Futurity Non-Pro at 8 a.m. today, the 5/6-Year Classic Non-Pro Finals at 6 tonight and the Western Horseman Cup Finals at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Restaurant ratings
The following is a listing of restaurant ratings by the Richmond County Department of Environmental Health. Listed are the restaurant name, address, inspection date and the establishment's score (out of a perfect 100):

Pet of the week
Hannah, a 2-year-old hound mix, is available for adoption through Molly's Militia.

Program helps military spouses find fulfillment
It was the job interview death note for Evalyn Williams. Whenever an interviewer found out her husband, Rick, was in the military, Mrs. Williams said, she could subconsciously hear the word "Next!" echo throughout the interview room.

Georgia Military College honors
The following area students have been honored at the Augusta campus of the Georgia Military College:

The power of one
Clifton "Soup Bone" Morgan bench-presses as judge Greg "The Head" Campbell watches the bar stop bouncing at the Holiday Inn on Gordon Highway.

Can you find it?
This week's image, at right, is a source of entertainment for the community. If you think you know where it is, call 823-3708 by 2 p.m. Friday and leave your name, phone number and the spelling of your name. Please be specific with your answer.

CSRA Bridge results
CSRA Bridge results for Jan. 16-22.

Reunions
LUCY C. LANEY HIGH SCHOOL 1981: Seeking classmates for a 25-year reunion; contact Travis L. Givens, 667-8807 or Beverly W. Horn, 627-5121

Events
THE EMPEROR'S NIGHTINGALE: 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. through Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday; Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St.; Storyland Theatre production; weekday performances require reservations; $4.50 pupils, free chaperones and teachers; special rates for home-school pupils; $5 Saturday and no reservations required; free active-duty military and their families with a military ID; 736-3455

Events
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday; $4 adults, $3.50 ages 62 and older, $2.50 ages 6-18, free ages 5 and younger; group rates available

Georgia Military College honors
The following area students have been honored at the Augusta campus of the Georgia Military College:

CSRA Bridge results
CSRA Bridge results for Jan. 16-22.

For the record
Andrius Devon Barnes, 25, of the 1800 block of Alabama Road, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of theft by receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor count of obstructing or hindering a law enforcement officer

English as Second Language class stresses new vocabulary
Tanya Brown wrote a list of 10 vocabulary words on a dry-erase board.

Meetings
AUGUSTA COIN CLUBS: 7 p.m. third Thursdays; Guest House Inn, 3023 Washington Road; 829-5484 or www.augustcoinclub.com

Foxhall subdivision celebrates win
The victory took a little more than three months to attain. By that time, though, having united as a community had become more important than winning or losing.

Recreation
FORT DISCOVERY HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Milestones
Janel Gill, a junior psychology major at Paine College, was featured Jan. 8 on the broadcast of The United Negro College Fund's Evening of the Stars.

English as Second Language class stresses new vocabulary
Tanya Brown wrote a list of 10 vocabulary words on a dry-erase board.

School lunch menu
School lunch menu for the week.

Milestones
Janel Gill, a junior psychology major at Paine College, was featured Jan. 8 on the broadcast of The United Negro College Fund's Evening of the Stars.

School lunch menu
School lunch menu for the week.

Military milestones
- Air Force Airman 1st Class Whitney A. Times, a 2004 graduate of Westside High School and daughter of Robin Cowins of Martinez, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.

Pet of the week
Hannah, a 2-year-old hound mix, is available for adoption through Molly's Militia.

Foxhall subdivision celebrates win
The victory took a little more than three months to attain. By that time, though, having united as a community had become more important than winning or losing.

Program designed to expand everyone's creativity
The Art Factory began its spring semester Monday, but pupils still can sign up for classes.

Phinizy Swamp receives grant for additions
Thanks to a generous donation from Ronald McDonald House Charities, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park soon will make additions that will enhance science and ecological education.

Signal battalion members return from Iraq
It had been a year since Lee Hicks had seen her husband, Staff Sgt. Marrico Hicks.

The power of one
Clifton "Soup Bone" Morgan bench-presses as judge Greg "The Head" Campbell watches the bar stop bouncing at the Holiday Inn on Gordon Highway.

Program designed to expand everyone's creativity
The Art Factory began its spring semester Monday, but pupils still can sign up for classes.

Post Happenings
Post Happenings lists events, programs and other community notices from Fort Gordon. Send information to Fort Gordon Calendar, attention Ryan Wehmeyer, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928.

Public helped shape Fat Man's Forest
The year was 1948. Harry S. Truman was re-elected president, defeating Thomas E. Dewey. Velcro and LPs - long-playing 33q-rpm records - were invented. Baseball legend Babe Ruth died, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Boston Braves in the World Series.

Meetings
AUGUSTA COIN CLUBS: 7 p.m. third Thursdays; Guest House Inn, 3023 Washington Road; 829-5484 or www.augustcoinclub.com

Recreation
FORT DISCOVERY HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Signal battalion members return from Iraq

Recreation

Commander outlines promising future for fort

Program designed to expand everyone's creativity

Military milestones

Georgia Military College honors

Foxhall subdivision celebrates win

English as Second Language class stresses new vocabulary

Meetings

Reunions

Public helped shape Fat Man's Forest

Program helps military spouses find fulfillment

Around the block

Restaurant ratings

Events

Phinizy Swamp receives grant for additions

Howell decides his best is enough

For ex-Bulldog, long drives are just elementary

Hollywood lost versatile player with Shelley Winters' passing

Disney has to buy 'em to play

NBC drops 'Book of Daniel' from schedule
LOS ANGELES - The last chapter of the controversial religious drama "The Book of Daniel" has been written at NBC.

Sharpton slams episode of animated 'Boondocks'
NEW YORK - The Rev. Al Sharpton has asked for an apology from Cartoon Network for an episode of edgy animated series "The Boondocks" that shows the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. saying the n-word.

'American Idol' develops a mean streak
LOS ANGELES - Considering it's the biggest kid on the block, "American Idol" is becoming quite the bully.

NBC drops 'Book of Daniel' from schedule

Al Roker celebrates 10 years on 'Today' show
NEW YORK - He's only two-thirds the man he used to be, but Al Roker won't be eating heartily to celebrate 10 years on NBC's "Today" show. He's dieting.

Al Roker celebrates 10 years on 'Today' show

William Bennett joins CNN as contributor
NEW YORK - Continuing to load up on conservative commentators, CNN announced Wednesday that radio talk-show host and former U.S. education secretary William Bennett has joined the network as a contributor.

3.1 million cable viewers watch Miss America

Al Roker celebrates 10 years on 'Today' show
NEW YORK - He's only two-thirds the man he used to be, but Al Roker won't be eating heartily to celebrate 10 years on NBC's "Today" show. He's dieting.

William Bennett joins CNN as contributor

Sharpton slams episode of animated 'Boondocks'

'American Idol' develops a mean streak
LOS ANGELES - Considering it's the biggest kid on the block, "American Idol" is becoming quite the bully.

NBC drops 'Book of Daniel' from schedule
LOS ANGELES - The last chapter of the controversial religious drama "The Book of Daniel" has been written at NBC.

'American Idol' develops a mean streak

3.1 million cable viewers watch Miss America
LAS VEGAS - Miss America was a big fish in a much smaller pond Saturday night, earning the highest ratings ever for her new cable channel - but attracting less than one-third of the viewers she last found on network television.

Club calendar

Applause calendar

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, found dead

Spotted

Michael Jackson spotted in robe and veil

People in the News

Galleries

People in the News

Nicole Kidman named ambassador for UN

'Survivor' Hatch found guilty of failing to pay taxes

Bono announces 'Red' brand to fund AIDS programs

Concerts

Magazine names 'Lost' star as TV's top 'hunk'

Richt gets new deal

Richt gets new deal
ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia coach Mark Richt received a new eight-year, $16 million contract Wednesday that gives the two-time Southeastern Conference champion a $500,000 a year raise.

Hollywood lost versatile player with Shelley Winters' passing
In an industry that values youth and beauty, screen legend Shelley Winters was able to put together a career that lasted more than 50 years. Her secret? She wasn't afraid to play mothers.

Disney has to buy 'em to play
And the geek will inherit the earth. After months of negotiation and endless speculation, it looks as though Disney will purchase the digital animation studio Pixar (Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles) for an estimated $59 per share.

Gamecocks send Gators to 2nd loss
COLUMBIA - Tarence Kinsey had 19 points as South Carolina ended a nine-game losing streak to No. 5 Florida with a 68-62 victory Wednesday night, the Gators' second consecutive defeat after opening the season with 17 wins in a row.

Gamecocks send Gators to 2nd loss